Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Wellbutrin outweigh the risks.

Although Wellbutrin is not used to help patients stop smoking, another brand of medicine that contains bupropion is approved for this use. Serious mental or mood problems, including depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions have been reported in some patients using bupropion to help them stop smoking.

Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Wellbutrin. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

Wellbutrin is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression. Exactly how it works is not known.Do NOT use Wellbutrin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Wellbutrin you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion you have a history of an eating disorder (eg, anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (eg, epilepsy) you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), or sedatives (medicines that make you sleepy) after long-term use you are taking or have taken linezolid or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.Video: Treatment for DepressionVideo preview

Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.Before using Wellbutrin:

Some medical conditions may interact with Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse if you have diabetes, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack if you have a history of seizures, a head injury, or a tumor in the brain or spinal cord if you drink alcohol if you are taking nonprescription weight loss medicines or stimulants if you are taking a medicine that contains methylene blue

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Wellbutrin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Wellbutrin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.